Why the Dalai Lama Matters, by Robert Thurman. Image features Bob Thurman and His Holiness the Dalai Lama

May 6, 2008

Buddhism as a Civilization Matrix Talk at UBC

Robert Thurman spoke in Vancouver at the University of British Columbia’s Chan Centre for the Performing Arts on Sunday, April 27, 2008. His talk was entitled Buddhism as a Civilization Matrix and the Current Global Crisis. The video is in 10 parts; click here to see them all.

This event was made possible by UBC’s College for Interdisciplinary Studies, The UBC Institute of Asian Research, the UBC Department of Asian Studies, and the Tung Lin Kok Yuen Canada Foundation.

Part 2 of 10

Part 3 of 10

Part 4 of 10

Part 5 of 10

Part 6 of 10

Part 7 of 10

Part 8 of 10

Part 9 of 10

Part 10 of 10

2 Comments, Comment or Ping

  1. Ross Hunter

    I was enthralled by this talk. The theme is vast, by any worldly scale. I’ve written a summary of highlights, tied to the various clips, that may be useful to those short on time:
    http://www.hunterhost.com/129/thurman-buddhism-civilization/

    To think that Buddhism will perform what now appears to be its customary task, and lift the civilized behavior of the West, is a wondrous thing to contemplate. I can see the match, and how it will take exactly the Buddhist quality of responsiblity to grow up to what we owe our world, and cease plundering it.

    As Buddhist myself, and also deeply committed to helping create sustainable world, I am overjoyed to find my two great concerns merging – at least, as Robert Thurman tells it, and I’m persuaded.

    I encourage everyone to watch some or all of these clips.

    May 20th, 2008

  1. Robert Thurman: Buddhism Will Civilize the West — Ross Hunter - Hunter & Associates - Apr 1st, 2009

Why The Dalai Lama Matters book cover


You can buy Why The Dalai Lama Matters: His Act of Truth as the Solution for China, Tibet and the World, the new book by Robert Thurman, from your local or online bookseller.


See gallery of photos, maps and illustrations from Why the Dalai Lama Matters.


"No one has worked harder to bring Tibet, Tibetan Buddhism and the special power of the Dalai Lama to American audiences than Robert Thurman. Long may he write and, as in this latest work, bring learning and spirit, great vigor and close knowledge, together." — Pico Iyer


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